It’s no secret that wine has long been associated with Greece, with the ancient Greek God Dionysus even credited with its invention. With over 300 indigenous grape varieties, Greece has a lot to offer when it comes to delicious and unique wines that are gaining popularity worldwide. Beyond their distinctive taste, these wines are also rich in antioxidants, making them good for the heart and digestive health. From budget-friendly to high-end options, Greece truly is a wine lover’s paradise. Here are the top 6 options to try on your next trip:
Agiorgitiko Wine
The actual name of the wine is Saint George, and it is grown mainly in the regions of Peloponnese, Central Greece, and some islands in the Aegean Sea. It produces a medium-bodied wine with soft tannins and flavors of red fruit, spices, and vanilla. Agiorgitiko is best combined with meat, pasta dishes with spicy sauces, pizza, sausages, and spicy cheeses.
Assyrtiko Wine
It is made out of the assyrtiko grape, found mainly in Santorini, and also found in different parts of Greece, such as Crete, some islands of the Aegean Sea, the Peloponnese region, the Attica region, Macedonia, and Thraki. Australia also produces assyrtiko wine. It is a white wine known for its bright acidity, mineral notes, and citrus flavors.
Assyrtiko is best combined with shellfish, fish cooked on the grill, salmon, seafood, cheeses, and lamb cooked into lemon sauce. It is also versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own!
Xinomavro Wine
Xinomavro is a red grape variety that is grown in Northern Greece, specifically in Aminteo, Rapsani, Naousa, and Igoumenitsa. The wine produced is with high acidity and robust tannins, giving the wine a rich, complex flavor profile. Xinomavro and Nebollio, the grape used to make Barolo, are often compared. Xinomavro is best combined with lamb stew, meat, sausages, and mushrooms.
Moschofilero Wine
A wine that is part of the white grape variety grown in the Peloponnese region and some islands of the Ionian Sea. Moschofilero is a combination of floral aromas and flavors such as peach, grapefruit, lemon, and apricot.
Moschofilero is best combined with green salads, white cheeses, seafood, and chicken.
Mavrodaphne Wine
A red grape variety that is grown in Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and the Peloponesse region. It produces a sweet dessert wine with flavors of coffee, eucalyptus, and chocolate.
Mavrodaphne is best combined with pork cooked with wine, stuffed turkey, pasta bolognese, blue cheeses, and chocolate desserts. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a digestif.
Samos Wine
Samos is made out of Muscat grape and it is produced on Samos island. Its flavor is sweet, with notes of peach and apricot. Samos wineis best combined with desserts like baklava, fruits, and cheeses.
In addition to these grape varieties, Greece is also known for its retsina, a white wine that is flavored with pine resin. While retsina may not be for everyone, it is a unique and traditional Greek wine that is worth trying at least once.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Greece has plenty of options to explore. From crisp, refreshing whites to bold, complex reds, there’s a Greek wine for every palate. So the next time you find yourself in Greece, be sure to raise a glass and savor the flavors of this ancient wine culture.Cheers!
SOURCE: visitgreece.gr
